Portable, adjustable protective case for electronic devices and methods of use thereof

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is directed to a case for an electronic device, for example a tablet computer. The case includes a housing for holding the electronic device, a connecting member foldably attached to a back of the housing and a support member attached to an edge of the housing. The connecting member has at least one magnetic element positionable to engage with one or more surface level discontinuities on the support member to maintain the housing at an angle relative to the support member.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to cases for electronic devices, and more particularly relates to an adjustable protective case for an electronic device.

Portable electronic devices have become very popular and ubiquitous in many different areas of the world and among many different groups of people. Examples of popular portable electronic devices include laptop computers, handheld computers, for example tablet computers, portable DVD and CD players and portable gaming devices. These electronic devices contain electrical components which may easily be damaged by environmental factors and therefore must be protected adequately. As a result, electronic devices may be housed in hard casings.

Technology associated with portable electronic devices has rapidly evolved in at least one important way—miniaturization and downsizing. Modern portable electronic devices have become increasingly smaller and sleeker with little or no compromise in performance. Flat screen monitors and sleek portable electronic devices are becoming the norm. Unfortunately this otherwise positive technological advancement may have resulted in devices that may not be configured for use in a comfortable manner.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention provide for an adjustable case for an electronic device. One aspect of the invention provides a case for a tablet computer comprising: a back panel; a front panel; a side panel connecting a periphery of the front panel to a periphery of the back panel; a support member pivotally connected to an edge of the back panel; the support member comprising a plurality of surface level discontinuities and at least one magnetically attractive element; and a connecting member foldably attached to the back panel, the connecting member comprising at least one magnetic element and positionable to engage with one or more of the plurality of surface level discontinuities.

Another aspect of the invention provides a case for an electronic device comprising: a back panel; a front panel connected to the back panel; a first supporting member attached to the back panel; the first supporting member comprising at least one magnetic element about a distal end; a second supporting member pivotably attached to an edge of the back panel; the second supporting member comprising a plurality of ridges and including at least one magnetically attractive element; wherein the distal end of the first supporting member is positioned to engage the plurality of ridges.

Another aspect of the invention provides a case for a portable electronic device comprising: a body with a front opening for providing access to a touch screen of the portable electronic device; a support member pivotally connected to an edge of the body; and means for maintaining the body at an angle relative to the support member.

These and other aspects of the invention are more fully comprehended upon review of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a case for a portable electronic device in accordance with aspects of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates side views of the case of FIG. 1 in various positions in accordance with aspects of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view showing a support member of the case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing a connecting member relative to the supporting member of the case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a further case for a portable electronic device in accordance with aspects of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a further view of the case of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a close-up view of a portion of a front of the case of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the protective case provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, and it is not intended to represent the only forms in which the protective case in accordance with this disclosure may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth features of protective cases in accordance with the present disclosure in connection with the illustrated embodiments. As denoted elsewhere herein, like element numbers are intended to indicate like or similar elements or features.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a portable, adjustable protective case 10 for an electronic device 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the protective case 10 comprises a housing 100 for substantially encasing an electronic device, such as for instance a tablet computer; a support member 200 attached to an edge of the housing 100; and a connecting member 300, which is attached to a back of the housing 100. The connecting member 300 includes one or more anchoring elements configured to engage an upper surface of the support member 200 to maintain relative position of the connecting member and the support member. With the connecting member of a suitably stiff material, and fixed to the housing, maintenance of the relative positions of the connecting member and the support member serves to maintain the housing 100 (and the electronic device therein) at a desired tilt angle α relative to the support member 200, as shown in FIG. 2 and as explained in more detail herein.

In some embodiments the anchoring elements and corresponding portions of the support member include a magnet and a magnetically attractive element for maintaining relative position of the connecting member and the support member. The magnet may be about an end of the connecting member, and the magnetically attractive element may be along strips of the support member corresponding to potential areas of contact between portions of the connecting member about the magnet and the support member. Alternatively, the magnet may be about such portions of the support member, with the magnetically attractive element about the end of the connecting member. In some embodiments the support member also includes surface discontinuities, such as ridges, valleys, or raised protrusions, for further assisting in maintaining relative position of the connecting member and the support member.

FIG. 2 illustrates perspective views of the case 10 in various positions according to aspects of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 100 (and the electronic device 20 placed therein) may be mounted at different angles relative to the upper surface of the support member 200, which is positioned on a horizontal surface. Thus, according to aspects of the present disclosure, by moving a distal edge of the connecting member 300 and thereby changing a fold angle β defined by the connecting member 300 relative to the support member 200, a user can adjust the position of the housing 100 (and the electronic device 20 placed therein) to achieve a desired tilt angle α relative to the support member 200 for optimal viewing or access. For example, the housing 100 may fold flat against the support member 200, stand substantially perpendicular to the support member 200, or adopt various positions in between, as shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the tilt angle α defined by the back of the housing 100 relative to the support member 200 varies between 0 degrees to approximately 90 degrees. In some positions, the tilt angle α may be equal to the fold angle β, such as for example when a length of the connecting member 300 is the same as a length of a side of the back housing between the support member and a line of attachment of the connecting member 300 with the side opposing the fold angle β. In such a configuration, a triangle formed by the connecting member 300, the support member 200 and portion of the back of the housing 100 define an isosceles triangle.

The housing 100 may be made from any suitable rigid or semi-rigid material. In some embodiments, the housing 100 may be made from a pliable material. In one embodiment, the material is leather. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 100 has a rectangular configuration having a length L and a width W. In alternative embodiments, the housing 100 may have a square or any other suitable configurations for encasing the electronic device therein. In any embodiment, the housing 100 can be sized to accommodate a corresponding electronic device.

Referring to FIG. 1, the housing 100 comprises a back panel 102 connected to a front panel 104. The front panel 104 includes an opening 108, which allows a user to view or access a screen of the electronic device 20. The opening 108 may be sized and shaped to accommodate the screen of the electronic device 20. In some embodiments, the front panel 104 is connected to the back panel 102 by a side panel 106. In some embodiments, the side panel 106 is continuous around a periphery of the housing 100. In an alternative embodiment, the side panel 106 is discontinuous at least along one side of the periphery (not shown), to provide an inlet through which the electronic device 20 can be slid into the housing 100. In some embodiments, the side panel 106 comprises one or more apertures 110 which provide access to one or more buttons, controls and/or ports of the electronic device 20.

Referring to FIG. 3 in addition to FIG. 1, the support member 200 comprises a flange 206 pivotably attached, for example by way of a flexible attachment, to an edge of the back panel 102. The support member 200 may be made from any suitable rigid or semi-rigid material. In some embodiments, the support member 200 may be made from a rigid plastic material, which may be covered in a cloth, leather, or leather-like material, with the covering attached to the housing. In some embodiments, the support member 200 has approximately the same size (length and width) and shape as the back panel 102. In alternative embodiments, the support member 200 can have different sizes and/or shapes. In some embodiments, the support member 200 may have a same width as the width of the housing 100 and a length of about ½ of the length of the housing 100. In alternative embodiments, the length of the support member 200 may be the same as the length of the housing 100, and in various embodiments the width of the support member 200 may be smaller than the width of the housing 100. In yet other embodiments, both the length and the width of the support member 200 may be different from the length and width of the housing 100. In some embodiments, the support member 200 is planar. In some embodiments, the support member 200 is pivotably attached to the edge of the back panel 102. In one embodiment, the support member 200 is configured to rotate about the edge of the back panel 102 between a first position, wherein the support member 200 folds flat against the back panel 102, and a second position, wherein the support member 200 covers the opening 108 of the front panel 104. In use, the support member 200 may be positioned on a supporting horizontal surface, as shown in FIG. 2. Optionally, the support member 200 may comprise strap members (not shown) configured to secure the protective case 10 to a non horizontal surface, such as for example a back of a car seat.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, in some embodiments, the connecting member 300 is attached to the back panel 102 along an attachment axis 310. In some embodiments, the connecting member 300 is attached to approximately a midline of the back panel 102. In alternative embodiments, the connecting member 300 can be attached to an edge of the back panel 102. In yet other embodiments, the connecting member 300 can be attached anywhere on the back panel 102. In some embodiments, the connecting member 300 is planar. The connecting member 300 may be made from any rigid and sturdy material. In any embodiment, the size of the connecting member 300 may be adjusted according to its attachment position on the back panel 102. In some embodiments, the connecting member 300 has a semi-circular cut-out at the distal end to facilitate engagement with the support member 200. In other embodiments, the connecting member 300 may have other suitable configurations.

In some embodiments, the connecting member 300 is configured, such as by being flexibly connected to the back panel in a linear manner, to pivot about the attachment axis 310 and define fold angles β relative to the support member 200, as best illustrated in FIG. 2. For example, the connecting member 300 may define a fold angle β of zero (0) degrees relative to the support member 200 (position not shown), wherein the connecting member 300 folds flat against both the upper surface of the support member 200 and the back panel 102. The fold angle β may be varied from zero (0) degrees to approximately ninety (90) degrees to allow the housing 100 (and the electronic device 20 stored therein) to adopt various positions as shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the fold angle β may equal the tilt angle α defined by the housing 100 relative to the support member 200.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 3, the upper planar surface of the support member 200 includes surface level discontinuities 202 configured to engage with a distal edge of the connecting member 300 to secure the housing 100 (and the electronic device therein) at the desired tilt angle α relative to the support member 200. In some embodiments, the surface level discontinuities 202 comprise recesses or depressions relative to the upper planar surface of the support member 200. In alternative embodiments, the surface level discontinuities 202 comprise ridges, elevations or protrusions over the upper planar surface of the support member 202. The surface level discontinuities 202 can have any suitable height for accommodating an anchoring element 302 positioned on the distal edge of the connecting member 300, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 and further discussed herein.

In some embodiments, the surface level discontinuities 202 are positioned along two shorter edges of the support member 200. In one embodiment, the surface level discontinuities 202 form two parallel tracks along the edges of the support member 200. In alternative embodiments, the surface level discontinuities 202 are located along just one or more than two edges. In some embodiments, the surface level discontinuities 202 are positioned along the longer edges of the support member 200. In some embodiments, the surface level discontinuities 202 are located away from the edges, such as for example in the middle of the support member 200.

Referring to FIG. 4 in addition to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the connecting member 300 comprises one or more anchoring elements 302 about a distal end configured for engaging with the surface level discontinuities 202 of the support member 200. In some embodiments, the anchoring element 302 comprises a magnetic element 304.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the surface level discontinuities 202 create a receptacle 204 for receiving the anchoring element 302 of the connecting member 300, thereby providing a catching surface for the anchoring element 302 and preventing the connecting member 300 from sliding on the support member 200. In some embodiments, the support member 200 includes a magnetically attractive element 208 configured to engage with the magnetic element 304 on the distal end of the connecting member 300, as best shown in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, the magnetically attractive element 208 is positioned on a horizontal plane below a plane of the surface level discontinuities 202. In some embodiments, the magnetically attractive element 208 is part of a bottom surface of the receptacle 204. In other embodiments, the magnetically attractive element 208 is positioned below the bottom surface of the receptacle 204. In one specific embodiment, the magnetically attractive element 208 comprises a metal block extending from one end of the track to the other end of the track below the bottom surface of the receptacles 204. In alternative embodiments, the magnetically attractive element 208 is positioned on a plane perpendicular to the plane of the surface level discontinuities 202. In some embodiments, the magnetically attractive element 208 can be made from any magnetizable or ferromagnetic metal or metal alloy. In one embodiment, the magnetically attractive element 208 is made of stainless steel. The magnetically attractive element 208 can have any suitable size, shape and configuration to optimize the engagement with the magnetic element 304 of the connecting member 300.

In some embodiments, the magnetic element 304 is a permanent magnet, preferably a rare earth magnet, although other types of magnets might also be employed. The size and strength of the magnetic element 304, in addition to the size, shape and configuration of the magnetically attractive element 208, among other factors, can be optimized according to the size and weight of the housing 100 such that the latter is securely supported by the engagement between the connecting member 300 and the support member 200.

Thus, according to aspects of the present disclosure, the connecting member 300 engages with the support member 200 at two distinct levels to hold the housing 100 at a desired position. First, the surface level discontinuities 202 provide a catching surface for the anchoring element 302, thereby preventing the connecting member 300 from sliding on the support member 202. Furthermore, the engagement of the magnetically attractive element 208 with the magnetic element 304 provides a magnetic force which firmly holds the anchoring element 302 to the receptacle 204.

In some embodiments, the magnetic element 304 has direct contact with the magnetically attractive element 208. In alternative embodiments, the magnetically attractive element 208 may not have direct contact with the magnetic element 304. In one embodiment, the magnetically attractive element 208 is insulated from the magnetic element 304 by a thin layer of plastic or leather covering the bottom surface of the receptacle 204. In this specific embodiment, the size and strength of the magnetic element 304 and the size, shape and configuration of the magnetically attractive element 208, among other things, can be optimized such that the thin layer of material separating the magnetic element 304 from the magnetically attractive element 208 has little or no effect on the magnetic force generated.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a case for an electronic device in accordance with aspects of the invention. In some embodiments the case is formed of plastic, in some embodiments a hard, stiff plastic. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the case has a substantially rectangular footprint similar to that of many electronic devices, for example tablet computers, for example computers such as the computer marketed under the name iPad by Apple Inc., or the like. As may be seen in FIG. 5, a hinged cover 511 overlies a front frame of the case, which is bound by a sidewall 513. The sidewall couples the front face to the rear of the case, which is not visible in FIG. 5. The hinged cover 511 is hingedly coupled to the rear of the case by hinges 515 a-c. The hinged cover includes serrations 517 a-b along opposing margins in the case. The serrations are, in operation, used to receive a connecting edges of an extending member that extends from the rear of the case to support the electronic device in a semi-upright position during use.

The sidewall of the case additionally includes an aperture 519. The aperture is useful in allowing for access to a part of the electronic device. In various embodiments the case includes various other apertures in the sidewall to allow access to various parts of an electronic device. In addition, the case also includes along the sidewall, an extending ear 521. The extending ear includes a flange 523 extending from a lower portion of the sidewall, with a flange surrounded by a barrier wall 525. The extending ear is useful in that the ear may be positioned about a speaker of the electronic device, with the ear serving to focus sound from the device towards a user of the device.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective bottom view of the case of FIG. 5. The bottom of the case includes a rear face 611. Inset in the rear face is an extending member 613. The extending member has two connecting edges 615 a-b, with the connecting edges separated by a curved inset in 617. The curved inset allows for positioning of the extending member through rotation about the hinges 619 a-b, which are opposite in the connecting edges. The connecting edges, in various embodiments, include a magnet embedded in the plastic of the connecting edges.

FIG. 7 shows a close-up perspective view of one of the opposing serrations on the front face of the case. The serrations are formed of a ridgetop which, on one side, is bounded by a ramp 713 leading down to a valley 715. Connecting the valley to the next ridgetop in the sequence of serrations is a wall 717. In operation, the connecting edge of the extending member stays within the valley, and is buttressed by the wall 717. Underneath the valley is a metallic strip 719. The metallic strip is attracted to the magnet, or vice versa, helping to maintain the connecting edges in the valley.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it shall be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples, and that the embodiments should not be taken as limiting the scope of the following claims. The following claims are, therefore, to be read to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but also all insubstantial variations thereof, which may include equivalent elements for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. 

1. A case for a tablet computer, comprising: a back panel; a front panel; a side panel connecting a periphery of the front panel to a periphery of the back panel; a support member pivotally connected to an edge of the back panel, the support member having a plurality of surface level discontinuities forming tracks positioned along two edges of the support member, the surface level discontinuities comprising depressions relative to an upper planar surface of the support member, and at least one magnetically attractive element comprising metal extending under a bottom surface of the depressions; and a connecting member foldably attached to the back panel, the connecting member including at least one magnetic element about a distal end of the connecting member, the distal end positionable to engage with one or more of the plurality of surface level discontinuities.
 2. The case of claim 1, wherein the back panel defines a tilt angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees with respect to the support member.
 3. The case of claim 1, wherein the at least one magnetic element is engageable with the at least one magnetically attractive element to securely maintain the back panel at an angle relative to the support member. 4.-20. (canceled) 